Captain George Mainwaring | Dad's Army Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit George Mainwaring was born in 1885. He is a pompous, blustering figure with overdeveloped sense of his importance, fuelled by his social status in Walmington-on-Sea as the bank manager, and his status as Captain and commander of the local Home Guard volunteer unit. He believes in following rules and orders to sometimes ludicrous degrees. He is class conscious and a snob, considering himself upper-middle class and looking down on anyone he considers beneath him, which may be because he struggled to rise above his working class background. His pretensions stand in contrast to Wilson , who is genuinely Upper Middle Class, Mainwaring is often bitter about Wilson's having attending public school, believing it made him 'wet', while his own state-school background is an attribute. Mainwaring and Wilson's relationship is mainly based on the fact that Mainwaring has always had to struggle and fight for everything in his life, whereas Wilson has just sat back and let it all come to him, (despite being a strong autocrat, Mainwaring fully believes that people should work and earn everything they get in life).

Mainwaring is prudish and repressed, and can be judgemental about people who do not share his moral outlook. Mainwaring Mainwaring's pomposity and snobbery work against him, as he is frequently dependent on those he considers beneath him, and his arrogance is frequently punctured by circumstance and the people around him, such as Arthur Wilson , his chief clerk with whom he shares an antagonistic friendship, and Private Walker , a black-marketeer who interjects during Mainwaring's lectures with a quip or a sly revelation that Mainwaring is benefitting from underhanded deals. Mainwaring is particularly jealous of Wilson, who is more relaxed and charming and possesses combat experience that Mainwaring does not, and takes every opportunity to remind his sergeant who is the senior. As a bank manager, he is efficient if ruthless and stingy; as a military commander he is barely competent, confused by the 24-hour clock, and his plans result in chaos. Mainwaring has no combat experience, which causes tension with the other members of the Home Guard, particularly Wilson, who was a decorated Captain of World War I.

(In World War II, John Le Mesurier who played Wilson, had been a Captain while Arthur Lowe was a Sergeant Major). He did, however, serve in the army of occupation in France, "during the whole of 1919 — somebody had to clear up the mess." (He tried to enlist in 1914 but was rejected with poor eyesight; Arthur Lowe tried to enlist in the Merchant Navy prior to World War II but was also rejected with poor eyesight.) Despite his shortcomings as a leader, Mainwaring considers himself an excellent military tactician. His height and background is frequently demonstrated to show a Napoleon Complex; he is frequently referred to as 'Napoleon' by his nemesis Hodges . In one episode, A Soldier's Farewell , Mainwaring dreams he is Napoleon Bonaparte , and is thwarted at the Waterloo by a Duke of Wellington looking like Wilson.

His pomposity and conviction of his prowess see Mainwaring yearn to be in control of any situation, and he behaves in an arrogant manner; this is demonstrated by the first episode, in which he organised the Home Guard unit and appointed himself commanding officer despite lack of experience or qualifications (and had to wait until the episode Room at the Bottom before he received his commission). In Command Decision he was prepared to relinquish control so the platoon could gain rifles, arguing defence of the country was more important than his ego. In addition he was prepared to "march in the ranks as Private Mainwaring" when he was briefly de-commissioned. This implied he was more overzealous than a control freak. Mainwaring's patriotism can lead to xenophobia (he is not keen on the French because they are emotional, the Russians because their communism, and the Germans and the Italians because of them being such deadly enemies).

Mainwaring often refers to Hitler and the Germans as if he is leading his own personal war, insisting that "In fact I do wish he'd have a go - I'm spoiling for a fight" in Asleep in the Deep , regarding his desire in an air raid to get out of a bunker and face the attacking Germans (who are in planes and beyond his reach). Mainwaring's patriotism and eagerness to see combat blind him to follies or any British failings; whenever Wilson points out a rational if somewhat defeatist outcome to a scenario, Mainwaring's response is "I don't want to hear any of that sort of talk, Wilson." Mainwaring sees all regular British servicemen, 'Our Boys', as exceptionally brave and resourceful, the Germans as inept and cowardly. Mainwaring is not entirely unlikeable or unsympathetic; it is apparent several times that he devotes his energies to his Home Guard unit for a sense of comradeship and purpose lacking in other parts of his life, such as his career and marriage.

On one occasion when his men spurned a parade to play darts against the ARPs he expressed bewilderment, saying coming to the platoon is "the highlight of my day." It is frequently implied that he is trapped in a loveless and unhappy marriage to Elizabeth , his unseen wife, who is domineering, neurotic and withholding of affection. For example, in the 5th series episode If the Cap Fits... Mainwaring reveals he learned the bagpipes on his honeymoon in Scotland because "there was nothing else to do". His bravery and courage cannot be denied: he is willing to endanger himself for his country and platoon, and is willing to take the risks that he will order his men to undertake. In The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage , the platoon thought the Germans had invaded and Mainwaring, with the rest of the platoon, fought what they thought was the German army but turned out to be other members of the platoon. He also cleared bricks from of a bombed-out corridor which could fall at any moment. Mainwaring insisted he work in the most dangerous position even though in drawing lots he had picked the safest ( Asleep in the Deep ).

In A Man of Action , Walmington-on-Sea is cut off when a bomb damages the railway and waterworks. Mainwaring imposes martial law and takes power from the Mayor. Under his law people need permits to take a bath, and looters will be shot. He changed position when this power was taken from him by an official from GHQ. Mainwaring described such the act and martial law as "monstrous". He is also an excellent shot with handguns, as shown in Battle of the Giants where he shoots an ascending balloon at an exceedingly long range, whilst holding his handgun with one hand. Both he, and Wilson, respond to this with Good heavens! indicating that Mainwaring isn't even aware of his own skill. Mainwaring is proven almost immediately wrong after making a statement. He claims to know something only to be proven wrong. Men under him, however, are mostly devoted to him. There are scenes in which Mainwaring is shown as kind-hearted, notably in his "brief encounter" with Mrs Gray in Mum's Army . Dad's Army ends with the Second World War still in progress, Mainwaring giving Mrs. Fox away as she marries Corporal Jones because her own father is dead.

There is hint as to Mainwaring's fortunes after the war. However, a proposed radio sequel, It Sticks Out Half a Mile , was to have featured Mainwaring returning to England having spent two years in Switzerland manufacturing cuckoo clocks, intending to renovate a decrepit pier, only to have to negotiate a loan with the local bank manager - Arthur Wilson (Arthur Lowe was to have starred, but only recorded a pilot episode before his death). The first episode of Dad's Army also shines light on Mainwaring's future; briefly set in the then-present day 1968, it features Mainwaring as guest-of-honour to the launch of Walmington-on-Sea's 'I'm Backing Britain' campaign, where he is referred to by Wilson as an alderman and chairman of the Rotary Club. Capt. Mainwaring Edit Statue of Captain George Mainwaring, erected in Thetford in June 2010 In June 2010, a statue of Captain George Mainwaring was erected in the Norfolk town of Thetford where most of Dad's Army was filmed.

The statue features Captain Mainwaring sitting to attention on a simple bench in Home Guard uniform, with his pace stick across his knees. The statue is mounted at the end of winding brick pathway with a Union Flag patterned arrow head to reflect the opening credits of the TV series, and the sculpture has been designed so that members of the public can sit alongside Captain Mainwaring for the purpose of having their photo taken. List of Characters | Dad's Army Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit Mainwaring (pronounced Man-er-ing) was played by Arthur Lowe . He was the pompous - if essentially brave and unerringly patriotic - local bank manager. In the series pilot Mainwaring appointed himself leader of his town's contingent of Local Defence Volunteers. Of the platoon , he and Joe Walker were the only adult members with no prior combat experience, and, therefore, had no medals - a fact which sometimes caused tension with the other members of the Home Guard .

He did, however, serve in France, "during the whole of 1919—somebody had to clear up the mess." Although an ensemble piece, the series focused particularly upon Mainwaring, who has invested all his efforts into the platoon as a way of escaping from an unhappy marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of a Bishop, and a stalled career at the bank. Edit Wilson, played by John Le Mesurier , was a diffident, upper-class bank clerk, Wilson was nonetheless Mainwaring's inferior in the bank and on parade; his suave, understated social superiority, public school education and handsome looks led to a certain amount of jealousy on Mainwaring's part. During World War 1 he fought in the Royal Artillery at Mons, Gallipoli and the Somme. In the last episode he revealed that he had been a Captain. Edit Jones was the oldest member of the platoon (born 1870), but was played by Clive Dunn , a younger actor.

Jones was an old campaigner who had participated, as a boy soldier, in the campaign of Kitchener of Khartoum in the Sudan between 1896 and 1898, and also fought in World War 1. By 1940 he worked as the town butcher, which occasionally enabled him to supplement his superiors' meaty ration. Jones was leader of the platoon's first section. He has a story for every occasion, and will never hesitate in telling it, regardless of how long-winded or irrelevant it is. Despite being the oldest member of the platoon, Jones demonstrates an almost boyish enthusiasm for combat and is the first to volunteer for anything, no matter how ill-advised that may be. In Battle of the Giants we learn Jones caught malaria whilst serving in Africa, he got over the main illness but sometimes (though not often) he gets malarial chills, he tells Mainwaring not to worry because he says "I've been getting these chills for 40 years". Jack Craig was David Croft's original first choice for the role, and David Jason, who later excelled at playing characters such as Blanco in "Porridge", was also linked to the role.

Edit Walker was played by James Beck in the television series and seven episodes of the radio series, Graham Stark for five radio episodes with Larry Martyn for the remainder of the radio series. A Black Market "spiv"", Walker was the only fit, able-bodied man of military age in Walmington-on-Sea's home guard. His absence from the regular armed forces was due to a corned beef allergy, although it was implied that Walker had probably found a way to play the system. Mainwaring often turned a blind eye to his profiteering as he could sometimes supply the platoon (and Mainwaring) with useful items. On more than one occasion, Walker's willingness to use underhand tactics allowed Mainwaring's platoon to triumph over rivals in the Home Guard, Army and ARP. He was disciplined several times by Captain Mainwaring for making jokes at inappropriate times. Though Beck was the second youngest regular cast member, he was the first to die. As a result, Walker was written out of the series after series 6.

Edit The youngest platoon member - played by Ian Lavender - Pike, a cosseted mother's boy and often the target of Mainwaring's derision ("You stupid boy!"), was a junior bank clerk. He called Wilson "Uncle Arthur", and although never explicitly stated, it was often implied that Wilson and Pike's mother were having a relationship. It was also occasionally suggested that Wilson was Pike's father (although the writers only acknowledged this in interviews after the programme ended). He frequently threatens to set his mother on Mainwaring whenever he is shouted at or forced to do anything he doesn't want to do. He has the lowest position at Swallow bank, subordinate to both Wilson and Mainwaring. Edit Frazer was played by John Laurie . The character was a dour Scottish coffin maker and a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy who fought at the Battle of Jutland although his main duty was cooking), Frazer was tight with money, had wild staring eyes, and was known for issuing regular pronouncements of doom. In the early episodes Frazer was the keeper of a philately shop, but by series four the writers had decided that he should become the local undertaker, in keeping with his gloomy nature.

Openly eager for more power within the platoon, he sometimes led rebellions against Manwaring and was the only member of the platoon to be portrayed as a villain in episodes such as " A Soldier's Farewell " & " The Two and a Half Feathers ", though for the most part he was loyal and well-intentioned. Edit Played by Arnold Ridley , Godfrey, whilst not as old as Jones, was certainly the most frail member of the platoon, and as such was the platoon's medical orderly. He had served in World War One as a conscientious-objecting stretcher bearer, winning the Military Medal before becoming a tailor at the Army & Navel Stores. Godfrey was an amiable, vague, lifelong bachelor who lived with his sisters in an idyllic cottage, and was a martyr to his weak bladder, leading to many requests to be "excused". He was very loyal to Captain Mainwaring, except on one occasion when he took part in a plot to make Mainwaring's feet hurt. Non-platoon characters Edit The Vicar ( Frank Williams ) was the vicar of St. Aldhelm’s Church.

To help the war effort, he shares his church hall and office with Mainwaring's platoon, much to his dismay because he never gets to use it when he needs it. Edit Mr. Maurice Yeatman ( Edward Sinclair ) was the local verger and head of the Seas Scouts group. Yeatman was often hostile to the platoon. Labelled a "troublemaker" by Jones, he is ridiculously loyal to the vicar, and his good friend Mr. Hodges. Other Platoon members Edit In addition to the seven featured players, the platoon also included a "back row" of anonymous extras, who filled the platoon up to size while on parade or display. The extras did not speak, but there were a handful of platoon members who had a secondary but significant role:- Edit Private Thomas Bracewell ( John Ringham ) was an upper-class buffoon who was set to be a major character in the series. Due to the overwhelming number of major characters that were introduced, it was decided that he was to be dropped. He only appears in first episode of the programme, and was mentioned in the second episode. Ringham also appeared in 2 episodes as Captain Bailey.

Edit Private Cheeseman ( Talfryn Thomas ) - originally a Welsh journalist who appeared in one episode in series six, after the death of James Beck he joined the platoon for series seven. David Croft writes that the character was "irritating without being funny", although it is also reported that John Laurie (Frazer), the show's resident Scot, was strongly against the character. The writers decided that Cheeseman should not return for series eight and nine. A character called Charlie Cheeseman (played by Jimmy Perry ) appeared in the sixth episode, but he was unrelated. Edit Private George 'Nobby' Clarke ( John Cater ) - joined the platoon briefly when he tried to dig up dirt about Jones' history in the Sudan. He was revealed to have had an affair with his commanding officer's wife, and when this was revealed in Jones' retelling of events, he fled Walmington never to return. Other members of the platoon mentioned by name throughout the series are: Agnew; Bailey; Cullen-Jones; Day; Desmond; Elgood; Hancock; Hardcastle; Hastings; Hope; Locke; Lovekin; Macey; Meadows; Wiper; Woods. Recurring characters Edit Mrs.

Yeatman ( Olive Mercer ) (series 5,8) - Beryl Yeatman was the Verger's wife, referred to in one episode by her husband as Tracey. She ran the women's keep fit club, and captained the womens' netball team. In Everybody's Trucking , it was revealed she was having an affair with Mr. Blewitt. Edit Sidney Blewett ( Harold Bennett ) (series 3-9) - Mr Blewett was an elderly gentleman who recurred in a variety of roles, but always under the same name. During the series, he was seen as a photographer and the vicar's gardener, but often as a passer-by who became involved in the platoon's escapades. Edit Mrs. Marcia Fox ( Pamela Cundell ) (series 2-9) - Corporal Jones's lady friend and finally wife. Described as a "flashy woman" by Captain Mainwaring, her first name in the episode " Mum's Army " is revealed as Marcia, although this changes to "Mildred" by the final episode. However, she is mostly referred to as Mrs. Fox.

In the early episodes she mentions her husband, but by series four she is a widow and is seen about with several men of the town in addition to Jones. In one episode, " The Godiva Affair " , Jones fears he has lost her affections to Mr. Gordon, and, in " Everybody's Trucking ", Mrs Yeatman's discovery of the verger out for a spin on a motor-cycle with Mrs Fox provokes the revelation of her own liaison with Mr Blewitt. When, at Jones's prompting, Mainwaring raises the question of her apparently split affections between Jones and Gordon, Mrs Fox misunderstands his purpose and, to Mainwaring's horror, thinks that he is propositioning her himself. Edit The Mayor of Walmington ( Fred McNaughton ) - Walmington's highest public official. His appearances usually involve playing the straight man to his excitable Town Clerk. Once when watching a 'keep-fit' display, he responds to Mr Gordon's remark of "that's very nice" with a straight-laced "Yes, if you like that sort of thing". He also takes part, in full ceremonial dress, in a thrilling train-chase in the episode " The Royal Train ".

There are allusions to a habit of making long-winded speeches. Edit Shirley ( Wendy Richard ) (series 4-6) - Walker's recurring girlfriend appeared in 4 episodes, Shirley (although she is referred to as Edith Parish in " Mum's Army " and is credited the name of Edith Parish in her first appearance in the series 4 episode " The Two and a Half Feathers "), is a cinema usherette and was played up to be a bit of a 'tart'. In particular, she annoys Mainwaring by suggesting that he fancies her. Edit Dolly Godfrey ( Amy Dalby , later Joan Cooper ) Private Godfrey's younger sister. Renowned for the quality of her upside-down cakes & cucumber sandwiches. Like Mrs Mainwaring she rarely appears, but is constantly referred to by her brother. Joan Cooper, Arthur Lowe's real-life wife, also played Dolly in the stage adaptation of Dad's Army. Edit Cissy Godfrey Private Godfrey's other sister appeared in one episode of series 2 and 3 episodes of series 3 (1969), played by Nan Braunton .

Braunton reprised the role in two episodes of the radio series, in which Cissy was Private Godfrey's only sister. The role of Cissy was later taken over by Kathleen Saintsbury in an episode of the eighth television series, and by Joan Cooper (who had previously played Dolly Godfrey in the television series) in an episode of the third radio series. Edit Colonel Pritchard ( Robert Raglan ) (series 3-9) - The superior officer from whom Captain Mainwaring most frequently received his orders. A stern, serious man, he unexpectedly appeared to admire Mainwaring, frequently commenting on his successes and warning people not to underestimate him. Raglan also played Captain Square's sergeant in one episode. Edit Captain Square ( Geoffrey Lumsden ) (all series) - commander of the Eastgate platoon of the Home Guard and rival of Captain Mainwaring. In early episodes he was "Corporal-Colonel Square", being a Corporal in the Home Guard and a former Colonel in the Army. In episode three, he almost replaces Mainwaring due to having weapons, but these turn out to be very out-of-date.

In " A Brush with the Law ", Square is seen in his other capacity as a magistrate and almost has the chance to send Mainwaring to prison. Edit Captain Stewart ( Michael Knowles ) - A smarmy officer from the War Office who informs Mainwaring that his platoon have been picked for 'special duties' (which in fact means digging latrines and peeling potatoes). One of several similar characters portrayed in the series by Michael Knowles. Edit Captain Ramsey ( Fulton Mackey ) - A harsh but fair Scottish officer who runs a training course to test Home Guard units and assess whether they are 12-star material. His attempts to make the weekend a serious test of the men are frustrated (largely by the idiocy of Lance-Corporal Jones and a stray consignment of onions) and he quickly becomes exasperated. Ramsey's favourite catchphrase appears to be "you haven't done very well", which is quickly amended when Mainwaring and his men pull off "the best bit of initiative I've seen in this whole war" for which he awards them the coveted 12-stars.

Fulton MacKay's character seemed to have come straight out of his Mr Mackey personae in Porridge (Fulton Mackay also appeared as a doctor in the episode " The Miser's Hoard " Edit U-Boat Captain ( Philip Madoc ) - Commander of the crew of a captured U-Boat , brings Mainwaring face to face with the Nazi enemy in " The Deadly Attachment ". A supercilious brute who is making a list of Britons who offend him to be brought to account "when we have won the war" which unsurprisingly get Mainwaring's gander up. He is also cunning, as when he tricks his captors by feigning illness. He presents Mainwaring with one of the platoon's most dangerous and deadly situations in the entire war, when he takes the entire platoon prisoner and plans to take them back to France with him, only to be foiled in the nick of time. Edit General Monteverdi ( Edward Evans ) -The senior Italian officer in a POW camp who tries to defend the scruffiness and general laziness of the Italian detainees. Serving in North Africa he was captured, apparently, because he refused to fight against the English.

Mainwaring clearly does not think much of him. It is revealed that Monteverdi is complicit in Walker’s scheme to smuggle prisoners out at nights to work for him. Edit Mrs. Prentice ( Brenda Cowling ) - An old friend of Godfrey, now in possession of her late husband's farm which needs harvesting. Mainwaring volunteers the platoon's services. In gratitude she organises supper and potato wine for the platoon which leads to some high spirits. A widow, having spurned him to marry a farmer, Godfrey hints at a more intimate moment when he tells her he hasn't touched potato wine "since that night". Edit Captain Rodrigues ( Alan Tilvern ) - A Spanish Civil War veteran who is only interested in 'killing Nazis'. He dislikes the platoon of 'amateurs' and thinks Mainwaring should go back to running a bank. He is portrayed as a vicious, unpleasant character. He appears closer to a bandit than a Captain in the British army. Edit Violet Gibbons ( Sally Douglas ) - An ATS girl to whom Pike is briefly engaged, much to Mainwaring's disapproval.

She had previously worked at Woolworths, a Fish and Chip Shop and for a while dated Private Walker. She appears at the platoon dance, where Pike announces their engagement. Looking bored and chewing gum she does not entirely appear to return Pike's unquestioning adoration and, much to everyone's relief, the engagement is quickly broken off. Edit E.C. Egan ( Fred Trueman )- A professional fast-bowler recruited by Hodges as an ARP Warden in an underhand attempt to win the friendly cricket match between the Wardens and the Home Guard. Egan reckons he can skittle Mainwaring's men out in about four overs. However he badly injures his shoulder after his first delivery and has to leave the field. In his absence, the Home Guard go on to win the match due to Hodges declaring early. In reality, Trueman played many matches for England. Edit Patrick Regan ( J.G. Devlin ) - A suspected member of the Irish Republican Army, the platoon are ordered to arrest him, but only a few are available. Trouble comes when his 'associates' come looking for him, leading to a brawl. Fortunately Wilson proves to be handy with his fists.

Edit Police Constable Arthur English - a Walmington police constable deputed to arrest Regan. He came alone, as the rest of his station were busy playing a darts match with the Free French. He warns that Regan may be an "ugly customer", but Mainwaring ignores his advice. Edit General Menzies ( Campbell Singer ) - Local commander. Visiting the platoon while Fraser is in temporary command in the episode If the Cap Fits... he mistakes him for Mainwaring. He invites his fellow Scot to a dress dinner to pipe in the haggis. Fraser hopes this will embarrass the English Mainwaring, but to everyone's shock Mainwaring had learned the bagpipes on his honeymoon, foiling Fraser's scheme. Edit Mr Palethorpe ( Jack Haig )- Landlord of the Six Bells just outside Walmington. When the platoon, dressed as Nazis for the production of a film, enter the bar and demand to be served he is convinced the balloon has gone up and triggers an invasion alert. Dad's Army - Captain Mainwaring Toupee - YouTube Dad's Army - Captain Mainwaring Toupee Want to watch this again later?

Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Apr 7, 2014 Captain Mainwaring wears a toupee in an effort to look younger, from 'Keep young and Beautiful' Category When autoplay is enabled, a suggested video will automatically play next. Up next Dad's Army - The Honourable Man - NL Ondertiteld - '... the golfclub?!'... - Duration: 30:11. George 1010th 44,637 views 30:11 Dads Army | The Best of Dads Army : Keep Young and Beautiful part 1 - Duration: 9:53. lewizz360 12,911 views 9:53 Dad's Army - The Lion has Phones - ... fall the men in!... - Duration: 29:46.

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The new trailer for the film, which hits cinemas in February, sees Jones leading his all-star army of Bill Nighy, Michael Gambon and Blake Harrison as they track down an enemy spy, with a little help from Winters. Scroll down for video Making her entrance: Catherine Zeta-Jones renders the men of Walmington-on-Sea speechless in the brand new trailer for the anticipated Dad's Army film, which hits cinemas next February Mainwaring is barking orders from the trailer's opening as the troops march through Walmington-on-Sea, telling his second in command, Nighy's Sergeant Wilson: 'That's right, shoulders back.

You're a sergeant in the Home Guard, not a sack of potatoes.' RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Mark Gatiss' Colonel Theakes is then seen issuing orders to Mainwaring as he informs him there's 'an enemy spy operating in the area.' Blake Harrison, from The Inbetweeners, as Private Pike is then seen dropping a classic Pike one-liner as he declares: 'I'll catch him sir, what does he look like?' only for his comrades to hit back with the famous put-down: 'Stupid boy.' It's Catherine's character who really shakes things up though when she struts into town in a curve-hugging red suit, leaving flabbergasted locals speechless, with one floored by the glam journalist's designer outfit as she mutters: 'Chanel in Walmington?' more videos Caitlyn Jenner jets off to DC for Trump's inauguration Leading the charge: Toby Jones' Captain Mainwaring is barking orders at his second in command, Bill Nighy's Sergeant Wilson from the trailer's opening as the troops march through Walmington-on-Sea Flirting up a storm: It's Catherine's glam journalist Rose Winters who shakes things up when she struts into town in her designer outfits Girl power

: Mainwaring has another strong woman to contend with in the new trailer, Mrs Mainwaring played by Felicity Montagu 'I'm doing an article on the Home Guard and you come highly recommended,' the actress enthuses, and quickly has Captain Mainwaring wrapped around her little finger as she muses: 'You remind me of someone...Winston Churchill!' The flattered Captain agrees as he tells the gorgeous journalist: 'I like to think that if we met, we'd both be the richer for it.' Mainwaring has another strong woman to contend with in the new trailer though - Mrs Mainwaring played by Felicity Montagu who leads her own army of nurses tending to the men.

'Wonderful sight, man and woman united in common cause,' she tells the Captain as they inspect their troops. Fan favourite: Blake Harrison from The Inbetweeners as Private Pike is seen dropping a classic Pike one-liner as he declares: 'I'll catch him sir, what does he look like?' only for his comrades to hit back with the famous put-down: 'Stupid boy' Work to be done: Mark Gatiss' Colonel Theakes is seen issuing orders to Mainwaring as he informs him there's 'an enemy spy operating in the area' Taking tea: Rose quickly has Captain Mainwaring wrapped around her little finger as she muses: 'You remind me of someone...Winston Churchill!' St Georges Day: The all-star cast march through the fictional town which has been decorated with bunting and flags in the trailer's opening Other familiar British female talent gracing the remark are Gavin & Stacey's Alison Steadman, The Inbetweeners' Emily Atack and former Coronation Street star Sarah Lancashire. Elsewhere there's more work to be done as the men attempt to decode a German message and track down the Nazi spy.

'This is it men, our chance to play a real part in this war,' an excited Mainwaring tells his troops. The hit Seventies TV comedy attracted 18million viewers at its height - and nearly 50 years since it first aired, the new film version is attracting huge excitement thanks to its stellar cast. The film is set in 1944 as World War II is reaching its climax, with the Allies poised to invade France and finally defeat the German army. But in Walmington-on-Sea morale amongst the Home Guard is low. Their new mission then – to patrol the Dover army base – is a great chance to revive spirits and reputation, with MI5 then discovering a radio signal sent direct to Berlin from the town. Keep patient! The Dad's Army film features (from left) Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring, Michael Gambon as Prviate Godfrey, Bill Nighy as Sergeant Wilson, Tom Courtenay as Lance-Corporal Jack Jones, Bill Paterson as Private Fraser and Daniel Mays as Private Joe Walker Here she is!

Catherine brings some glamour to the film as she arrives in her curve-hugging Chanel suit Underdogs: (From left) Bill Nighy, Toby Jones, Blake Harrison and Daniel Mays make up the Home Guard Help! The trailer takes a humurous turn as Captain Mainwaring attempted to flee an angered bull Shocked: But despite Mainwaring's plea for help, the rest of the gents look on dumb-founded The TV series, which was first broadcast in 1968 and ran until 1977, still has two million viewers tune in to watch repeats. Jimmy Perry, 90, who came up with the idea for the show and wrote it with David Croft, is a producer on the film. The film script has been written by Hamish McColl, who wrote the hit British films Jonny English Reborn and Mr Bean’s Holiday. The main producer Damian Jones, whose credits include The Iron Lady and The History Boys, says it was Dad’s Army’s ‘universal appeal’ that had attracted him. Oh, dear!

The group attempt a camouflage style, but simple-minded Godfrey struggled to grasp the concept Careful, men: Captain Mainwaring - played by Toby Jones from The Hunger James - leads the charge Orders: The troops are assigned a new mission to patrol the Dover army base during the Second World War The longevity of the programme’s success has been attributed to the superb cast of supporting characters along with their catchphrases that have stood the test of time. Stuart Wright, chairman of the Dad’s Army museum in Thetford, Norfolk, where the series was filmed, said tours of the town still attracted several thousand visitors a year. A number of the actors from the original series had experienced war. Arnold Ridley, who played Godfrey, had been wounded on the Somme during the First World War. Buildings in Bridlington and Beverly in East Yorkshire were transported back in time for the new film, with pubs and shops transformed into well-known parts of the set.

Dad's Army will hit cinemas on February 5 next year Dad's Army Biographies - Captain Mainwaring Portrayed by Arthur Lowe "Captain George Mainwaring is often quoted as saying that his father kept a tailor's shop in the best part of Eastbourne, and was a member of the Master Tailors Guild. However according to Jones, who is the only one who remembers Eastbourne at the time, Mainwarings father in fact kept a small gent's outfitters in a side street, with old workmen's trousers hanging up outside. In spite of his humble background, he was determined to be someone and by application and hard work he managed to gain a scholarship to the local Grammar school. When he left in 1902, he toyed with the vain hope that he might become a soldier. It had been a dream of his since childhood, but in those day's a Grammar school education was hardly a fitting background for an officer and a gentleman. Besides, he had no money. He took up a position in Martin's Bank where, after twelve years hard work, he became Assistant Chief Clerk." "When the war broke out in 1914, he at once volunteered.

At last he was going to be a soldier, and be able to wear on his chest those medals he had craved for all his life. But he was turned down because of his eyesight. During the next few years he made repeated attempts to join up and at last, thanks once more to his determination, he was commisioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the pioneer corps. Mainwaring arrived in France on 14 November 1918, forty eight hours after the Armistice, just too late to get any medals." "In 1919, with his hopes of glory dashed, he returned to civilian life, where he met and married Elizabeth, a large girl, who helped her sister to run a small wool shop. in later life he wondered if she was in fact knitted, instead of flesh and blood - there was no issue from the union. He threw himself into his work, and in 1935 his ambition was achieved when he was promoted to manager of Martin's (Swallows) Bank, Walmington on sea. At the age of fifty-five it seemed that his dreams of serving his country on active service were past.

However , fate took a hand, and when in 1940 the Nazi invasion of these islands threatened, he grasped the opportunity with both hands and formed the Walmington on Sea Local Defence Volunteers (later to become the Home Guard). By his efforts he welded them into a crack fighting force. At last, he had found his true destiny. But as we know the German's never came, and alas, there were no medals for Mainwaring." Jimmy Perry & David Croft from "Dads Army" (Elm Tree Books 1975).

Question: What was the first name of Captain Mainwaring in Dad's Army?
Answer: George